Cooking with Greek Olive Oil: The Best Tips and Authentic Mediterranean Recipes

 

Greek olive oil is not just a pantry staple—it’s the tie that binds Mediterranean cuisine and a tie that binds Greece’s rich gastronomic heritage, especially in regions like Halkidiki. Whether you’re a home cook or will be tasting olive oil in Greece, using Greek olive oil in your recipes will elevate your food to the next level and get you in contact with centuries of culinary history.

 

Why Cook with Greek Olive Oil?

 

 Extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its strong flavor and the numerous health benefits that derive from consuming it regularly. Greek Olive Oil’s unique flavor is due to native olive cultivars and climate conditions, making it a perfect choice for both cooking and finishing a dish.

 

Basic Guidelines for Cooking with Greek Olive Oil

 

• Use extra virgin olive oil both for raw and cooked applications. Its unique taste is suited for salads, grilled vegetables, and even baked sweets.

 

• Dress liberally over ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta for a classic Greek salad. The olive oil not only makes an excellent dressing but also brings out the taste of raw vegetables.

 

• Sautéing slowly in olive oil yields deep, warm flavors. To sauté, start with garlic and onions in olive oil as the base of most Greek vegetable dishes.

 

• Grilling is upgraded by brushing meats, fish, or seafood, or vegetables with olive oil both before and after grilling to provide moisture and a traditional Mediterranean flavor.

 

Traditional Greek Cuisine Dishes Featuring Olive Oil

 

• Greek Salad (Horiatiki): Mix together diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, green pepper, olives, and feta. Sprinkle with sea salt and oregano and drizzle with extra virgin Greek olive oil. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the juices.

 

• Ladera (Olive Oil Stews): Try “Fasolakia” (braised green beans) or “Briami” (baked mixed vegetables). These are slow-braised summer vegetables in olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs, making them a healthy, comforting, and tasty meal.

 

• Ladolemono Dressing: Whisk together Greek olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a light, all-around dressing to accompany grilled fish, salads, or steamed vegetables.

 

Cooking with Greek Olive Oil: Halkidiki Regional Flavor

 

While visiting Halkidiki, sample local olive oils at festivals and purchase bottles for your kitchen back home. Cooking with Greek olive oil is a tasty way to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle and enjoy the health benefits of this historic food item.

 

Last Tip

 

Selecting high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin Greek olive oil for the best flavor and nutrition, is to not be missed. Take a look at our products! Your recipes—and your guests—will appreciate it.